Frequently Asked Questions about
SPECIAL ASSESSMENT CONDITIONS
What are Special Assessment Conditions (SAC)?
Secondary students sitting NCEA who have a barrier to learning may be granted special conditions to reach their potential.
SACs include reader, writer, computer use, rest breaks, separate accommodation and extra time (see below for explanations of these).
Who is allowed SAC?
Students with a Specific Learning Disability (such as dyslexia and dysgraphia).
Students with a physical, medical or sensory condition (such as visually impaired, concussion, anxiety disorder, dyspraxia, ADHD and ASD).
SACs are NOT for students with a generally low intellectual ability (functioning below the appropriate curriculum level for their age/year level) or where English is a second language.
Who grants SAC?
Schools apply to the NZ Qualifications Authority (NZQA), usually at the beginning of Year 11.
This application is based on a report from an outside professional (such as psychologist, occupational therapist, paediatrician) and/or school evidence of need.
If the application is declined, the school may decide to gather further evidence for an appeal, which must be made within 15 school days.
What can SACs be used for?
The approved SAC can be used for both internal and external NCEA assessments from the time the application is made to NZQA.
Students will be asked by the school in Term 3 to specify what support they want for each end of year exam (eg. they may want a reader/writer for English but may prefer extra time for Maths).
How long are approved SACs valid for?
Approval is given for one year only.
The school must do an annual needs analysis to decide whether to roll this over in subsequent years. Changes may be made to SAC at this time, depending on the performance and needs of the student.
Is a formal psychologist assessment of a specific learning disability (SLD) mandatory?
No – schools can use their own evidence of need, such as school testing, teacher feedback and results of SAC trials.
Schools need to prove:
1. that the student has ability but is hampered by below average achievement in reading and/or writing
2. that SAC support makes a difference to their grades.
Who can diagnose an SLD, and how long is their report valid for?
In NZ, only a psychologist, educational psychologist or SPELD NZ Assessor is qualified to diagnose a Specific Learning Disability such as dyslexia.
If a student has been formally diagnosed with a learning disability, their report is only valid for 4 calendar years (so if applying for SAC in 2023, the report can be no older than 2020).
Where can I get more information?
See your school SENCO (Special Education Needs Coordinator).
Refer to the NZQA website, where there is an information page for parents (nzqa.govt.nz/SAC).
Explanation of SACs
Reader – someone reads the text to you. This person will be arranged and trained by the school.
Writer – someone writes or types what you dictate. This person will be arranged and trained by the school.
Computer – you use a school computer with MS Word to type your answers, usually in a small room with other computer users. You can use autocorrect.
Extra time – you get an extra 10 minutes per hour. However, this is only for time bound internal assessments that do not cover several periods (such as a maths test). Also, if the student is sitting less than 3 standards in an external exam, then extra time is not applicable.
Rest breaks – the student can take 10 minutes rest break per hour of exam, which is added to the end of the exam (up to 30 minutes).
Separate accommodation – students using a reader and/or writer will be in a separate room. Also students with medical needs, such as an anxiety disorder, may need to sit their exams in a smaller room.
Last updated October 2023